Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Seafarers’ Employment and Welfare Systems in South Korea and China: Contemporary Issues and Improvements

Junghwan Choi, Sangseop Lim and Changhee Lee ()
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Junghwan Choi: Law School, Dalian Maritime University, No. 1 Liaoning Road, Dalian 116026, China
Sangseop Lim: College of Maritime Sciences, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
Changhee Lee: College of Maritime Sciences, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Seafarers are recognized as essential workers responsible for maintaining the national logistics supply chain. This study analyzes the sustainable seafarers’ employment and welfare systems in South Korea and China using the comparative case study approach and presents relevant implications. In the era of the “New Normal” after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is marked by hyper-personalization, seafarers have become increasingly resistant to acquiring maritime education and performing onboard duties. Even though South Korea has recognized seafarers as key agents of national economic growth, the participation of the new generation in the shipping industry has recently been declining. Meanwhile, China has been developing its shipping industry since the Deng Xiaoping reforms and fosters skilled seafarers by providing rigorous maritime education. However, both countries have been experiencing difficulties in ensuring the legal and social protection of seafarers; hence, the challenge of providing sustainable employment and welfare to seafarers remains. In conclusion, this study proposes the establishment of the “Asia Maritime Education, Employment, and Welfare Support Center” to support seafarers’ employment and welfare with the cooperation of other countries in the Asian region.

Keywords: seafarers’ employment and welfare; legal protection for seafarers; hyper-personalization; New Normal; Asia Maritime Education; employment; Welfare Support Center (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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